What is disordered eating?

Disordered eating refers to a pattern of abnormal eating behaviors like impulsive eating, purging, restricting food intake, and using potentially harmful and ineffective methods to manage body weight. These behaviors are influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors and are often associated with negative body image and distorted attitudes toward food.

Although disordered eating behaviors are less frequent or severe compared to those needed for the diagnosis of an eating disorder, they can still have significant effects on body weight and overall health.^[1]